ACS - Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers concluded his yearlong term as President of the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) this week. He was formally recognized for his service during the 2025 SSA Summer Conference, held June 15–18 in Orange Beach.
Throughout his presidency, Dr. Vickers led with a focus on advocacy, legislative engagement, and professional growth for Alabama’s school leaders. His tenure saw the expansion of executive coaching, other professional development opportunities, and strengthened business partnerships to support public education across the state. Dr. Vickers was also recognized for his continued service at the national level through his role on the AASA Executive Committee.
“It has been an honor to serve as SSA President and to work alongside so many dedicated superintendents across Alabama,” said Dr. Vickers. “Together, we’ve advanced meaningful conversations and built strong partnerships that will benefit students for years to come.”
Dr. Vickers now passes the gavel to Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools, who will serve as SSA President for the 2025–2026 term.
Also of note at this year’s conference, SSA recognized one of its own—Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools—who was named AASA National Superintendent of the Year this past winter. Gonsoulin first earned the distinction of Alabama Superintendent of the Year through SSA, which qualified him for the national honor.
SSA is the professional association representing Alabama’s school superintendents and their leadership teams. With more than 1,500 members from across all Alabama public school systems and other education sectors, SSA provides high-quality professional learning, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities. As the only statewide organization exclusively serving school system executives, SSA amplifies the voice of educational leaders year-round at the State House, with the Governor’s Office, and before the State Board of Education.
See more about SSA on the organization's official website.